Norovirus cases rise ‘significantly’ in England – tips to lower spread
The number of reported cases is the “highest seen at this time of year in over a decade”. Also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Dr Lesley Larkin, the surveillance lead at the gastrointestinal infections and food safety division at the UKHSA commented on the recent upsurge in cases.
“Norovirus levels are currently the highest we have seen at this time of year in over a decade,” said Dr Larkin.
“Most reported cases are in the over 65s and we’re also seeing a rise in reported outbreaks, particularly in care home settings.
“Please stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work.”
Dr Larkin emphasised this is “particularly” the case if you work with vulnerable people or food.
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NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “The number of people in hospitals with norovirus has risen significantly in line with what we are seeing in the community and in care homes.
“It is a really unpleasant illness to catch, but for the vast majority of people it will usually pass in a couple of days.”
How to protect yourself and others from norovirus
The UKHSA recommended five key points to help reduce the spread of norovirus and how best to protect yourself.
Aligning with the advice from Dr Larkin, one of the best ways to not catch norovirus is to “wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water”.
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Handwashing is recommended not only after using the loo, but also “before eating and preparing food”.
If somebody in your household has nororvirus, there are precautions you can take to prevent yourself from getting infected.
“When someone with norovirus vomits, the droplets contaminate the surrounding surfaces,” the UKHSA points out.
“A bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and hot water should be used to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces and commonly used objects such as toilets, taps, telephones, door handles and kitchen surfaces.”
Any contaminated clothing or bedding should also be put in a 60C wash, with detergent.
“If possible, wear disposable gloves to handle contaminated items,” the UKHSA adds.
Anybody who does fall ill from the virus is advised to “stay at home” until symptoms have cleared for at least 48 hours.
Ill people should also “avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others” until the 48-hour post-symptom window has passed.
“Norovirus can be spread through food contaminated by the virus when food is handled by symptomatic people or infected individuals,” the UKHSA clarifies.
Five ways to protect yourself and others from norovirus
- Stay at home if infected until symptoms have cleared for 48 hours
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- Use a bleach-based household cleaner at home to wash contaminated areas
- Avoid cooking for others if you are ill
- Wash any contaminated bedding or clothing on a hot wash.
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